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A resolution recognizing January 2026 as Dry January USA Month in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, Dry January USA, originally developed by Alcohol Change UK in 2013, has grown from 4,000 participants to millions worldwide and, under the stewardship of Meharry Medical College, has become a transformative movement promoting mindful drinking habits, health equity and public health education; and
WHEREAS, Dry January is an annual health campaign that encourages people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. The campaign is a voluntary challenge that has gained popularity worldwide as individuals commit to starting the new year with a fresh, alcohol-free perspective; and
WHEREAS, Dry January 2026 marks the latest installment of this monthlong challenge, inviting individuals to take a break from alcohol and embrace a sober start to the year; and
WHEREAS, Dry January USA has embraced yellow as its official color, symbolizing hope, positivity and personal growth. The theme "Go Yellow in January" serves as a rallying cry for action, encouraging individuals to: (1) Go Yellow by embarking on their alcohol-free journey in January; (2) Be Yellow by embodying optimism, happiness, and resilience; (3) Support Yellow by fostering community spirit and solidarity in promoting healthier choices; and (4) Do Something Yellow by raising awareness about alcohol's effects, hosting alcohol-free events, and supporting non-alcoholic alternatives; and
WHEREAS, alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization, significantly increasing the risk of several cancers, including mouth, throat, esophageal, liver, breast and colorectal cancers, with risks rising sharply even with light to moderate consumption; contributing to 20,000 U.S. cancer deaths annually, underscoring the need for prevention and public education; and
WHEREAS, alcohol use is closely linked to mental health disorders, exacerbating conditions such as depression, a...
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